We can all agree, newborns are amazing. Their soft skin, their surprisingly wrinkly feet, those melt-your-heart eyes - we are head over heels the minute we meet our little newbies.
We have put together some incredible facts about new babies that you might NOT already know (and that will make you even more obsessed).
Brace yourselves, mamas...
1. One love, one heart
Researchers at an Israeli University have discovered an amazing link between your newborn’s heart and yours. When a mother and baby face each other closely for a short period, their heart-rates will synchronise within seconds. The bond is unreal! Two hearts really beating as one.
2. They cry in your accent
This is unbelievable! The cries infants make when they are brought into the world reflect sound patterns of whatever language mum speaks. You can actually hear a distinct variation in the cries of English, French and German babies! They pick up the different tones and sounds based on hearing you while in the womb - truly amazing.
3. Feeding Powers
Your new baby has magic powers when it comes to breathing.
They can breathe and swallow at the same time. This is so they can feed, boob or bottle, continuously - without stopping for breath, until about seven months old. Nature, you are amazing.
4. It’s just squish!
Babies are born without kneecap bones! The kneecap barely shows up in an x-ray, as it is made of soft cartilage instead of bone. The growth of the bone is slow so that it can be strong enough to support your little crawler, later on. This confirmed what we already know - our little blob is, indeed, the cutest little blob you have ever set your eyes on.
5. They are great listeners!
A baby’s hearing is incredibly sophisticated and precise. This skill comes within ten minutes of being born. A newborn can recognise mum’s voice if she utters a single syllable, and will turn toward her. They also share her taste in music, having listened to whatever she played while in the womb and becoming familiar with it! I guess my baby is going to be a big Belieber in that case!
6. They prefer their mama's voice.
Newborns react to softer and higher pitch tones, which is why adults speak higher when they talk to babies, subconsciously adapting to their preference. How sweet it that?
7. Mer-Babes
Babies are born with a swimming reflex! If they are placed in water, face down before the age of 4 months, they will automatically begin to paddle and kick. Obviously, you would be advised by a Doctor NOT to try this but we can file this piece of information in our folder of 'things to know'.
8. They can be addictive...
By testing the brains of fifteen different mums, a Montreal University discovered that the smell of newborn skin is addictive! You know that feeling you get when you smell a baby’s head? Well, your own new-born will be even more delicious, and will give you a similar sensation to when you smell freshly baked cookies! Maybe that explains why I want to bite their little cheeks I love them so much (but won't).
9. Super Human!
We all know that babies will close their precious fingers around anything that touches their palm, but did you know, that when tested this can be enough to hold up their own weight? Doctors will test your baby for this Palmar Grasp Reflex by offering them two fingers and lifting the up by their own powerful grip! Superbaby!
10. Mummy's have superpowers too
Within days of your newborn's birth, you will be able to make a clear distinction between their individual cries and the cries of other babies. Your baby’s body is also designed so that you have an instinct to nurture and make them feel safe. From the shape of their teeny tiny nose to the dimples on their toes, their gorgeous features will elicit an overwhelming feeling of love and intense protectiveness in you.
Tick, tick and tick. Enjoy those little miracles, mums. Sniff those heads and tickle those toes - these little creations of ours are simply amazing in every way!
